When I was 15, I wanted to join OBS. I was rejected; I was told it is only for student leaders.
I retorted - “I am a student leader, just not the kind you recognise.”
I have always been more of a leader than a follower. But I came to realise that it is not about whether you are a leader, but whether you lead people in the right direction. After all, many who caused devastation in history were some kind of leader. And to the dismay of the world, they were rather effective. Over the years, it’s probably to my parents’ relief and some of my friends’ disappointment that I have transformed - from leading other students to mischief as a “student leader” to more meaningful endeavours.
My recent appointment as a youth mentor reflects this journey. I am here as a testament that it is okay to not start out perfect, to be different and not fit in, or to be “slower” in life. Like what Ms Jasmin Lau has shared recently - We need to widen the definition of success. My involvement, apart from giving back, is also an attempt to find inspiration that can further influence my work. For instance, what do youths today think in terms of digital governance? Do they see it as inhibiting their exploration? Or do they feel psychologically safer to explore because it is a environment kept safe for them? How can we make digital realms conducive for students, especially knowing that harmful content and behaviour often overlap into the digital world today? While mentoring youths may not give direct answers, it does allow me to better understand their world, which can then inform my work.
Mentorship is also about compatibility. My journey is on my personal website - https://benjaminalexanderchua.com - where you can read more about me. It contains my journey from how I went from being a bad repute delinquent in secondary school, to entering one of the top universities in Singapore, struggling for almost a decade before graduating with double minors, struggling with work and a highly demanding computer engineering degree; how I dropped out from OCS, then returned to become a nominee for the Sword of Honour, with a field pack from BMT that I was asked - “Which museum did I steal it from?”. It also contains snippets of how my wife and I accompanied our first-born as she removes both her kidneys and underwent chemotherapy, with me donating my kidney to her three years ago and my wife becoming the first female in Singapore to don a red beret. Not all of these are things you can put on a CV, but my journey is what shaped my character, perspective, and values in life, something I find useful and which I am willing to share.
So, long story short, if there are any youths whom you think can benefit from an interaction with me, please feel free to direct them to https://discover.nyc.gov.sg/mentors/benjamin-alexander-chua
Like what I shared during the blood donation drive many years ago at RSAF, I am not donating blood, I am just giving back what I have benefitted from society.
Becoming a mentor is more than just a title—it's about genuinely connecting with others and helping them navigate their own unique journeys. In my experience working alongside youths, I’ve noticed that mentorship provides an invaluable platform to not only guide but also to learn from younger generations. Today’s youth face unprecedented challenges in the digital era, where governance and online safety have become critical concerns. Through conversations, I’ve gained insight into how digital governance impacts their sense of freedom and security online. Many youths express a desire for a balanced environment—one that safeguards them without stifling creativity and exploration. It’s clear that creating a supportive digital space requires a nuanced approach where mentors, educators, and policymakers collaborate to protect young people from harmful content while encouraging healthy engagement. On a personal level, mentoring has allowed me to witness firsthand how resilience develops through struggle and how diverse paths to success exist. My journey—from facing rejection, overcoming academic and personal hardships, to embracing a role where I can give back—reinforces an important message: success is not a straight line but a continuous process of growth and adaptation. For anyone contemplating mentorship or seeking guidance, remember it’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It is about empathy, openness, and creating opportunities for others to thrive. If you’re a young person or know someone who could benefit from such support, connecting with mentors who understand these complexities can make a significant difference. Embracing one’s unique story and learning to lead positively—whether on digital platforms or in everyday life—ultimately empowers both mentor and mentee to shape a better future together.
